Overturned Cattle Lorry Closes M1 Near Lurgan

A livestock lorry carrying about 40 cows overturned on the M1 motorway near Lurgan, County Armagh, resulting in the closure of both eastbound and westbound lanes between junctions 12 and 13 for several hours. Emergency services, including 30 firefighters, specialist animal rescue teams, and veterinarians, conducted a difficult multi-agency operation to rescue the trapped cattle. While most cows were safely transferred to another vehicle, a small number had to be euthanised due to their injuries. The lorry driver was reported to be safe and well. The incident caused major traffic disruption, with diversions in place as some eastbound sections remained closed during vehicle recovery. Emergency crews focused on both human and animal safety throughout the response.